Can the DWP find out your land line number

sja75

Hello

Had a strange call from 08000 232635 which I found to be a DWP number to the internet.

The lady asked for someone that didn't live here nor did she introduce herself that she was calling from the DWP.

I have never given my land line number to the DWP (not sure if it listed in directories).

Just a bit paranoid I guess. I claim ESA Support Group for descriptor 13. Does anyone think the DWP are attempting to catch me out?

Any advice would be most welcome.

ilikewatch

sja75 wrote: »

Hello

Had a strange call from 08000 232635 which I found to be a DWP number to the internet.

The lady asked for someone that didn't live here nor did she introduce herself that she was calling from the DWP.

I have never given my land line number to the DWP (not sure if it listed in directories).

Just a bit paranoid I guess. I claim ESA Support Group for descriptor 13. Does anyone think the DWP are attempting to catch me out?

Any advice would be most welcome.

Well, you can find out if you're listed in directories by visiting the BT website and searching for yourself on their directory search.

As regards the call you received, someone has almost certainly given DWP the wrong number in error. years ago I used to work in a DWP contact centre, and I'd guess that in 10%-20% of cases people accidentally gave us the wrong number - and these were the ones that wanted us to get in touch because they were trying to make a new claim!

The DWP wouldn't normally announce who they are until they are happy that they're speaking to the correct person.

~Beanie~

Maybe it was something as simple as a wrong number??

seven-day-weekend

sja75 wrote: »

Hello

Had a strange call from 08000 232635 which I found to be a DWP number to the internet.

The lady asked for someone that didn't live here nor did she introduce herself that she was calling from the DWP.

I have never given my land line number to the DWP (not sure if it listed in directories).

Just a bit paranoid I guess. I claim ESA Support Group for descriptor 13. Does anyone think the DWP are attempting to catch me out?

Any advice would be most welcome.

Attempting to catch you out doing what?

tomtom256

Maybe someone used to have that number before you and the DWP still have it listed for them.

You would be surprised how out dated some info is.

Or you could be paranoid as they are probably watching you and trying to cath you out! But only if you have something to hide!

cattermole

If you have a land-line number isn't that a question on the form ? Home number?

So not giving it in the first place is withholding information I would have thought, if you actually have one.

From a costs point of view it is obviously cheaper for any organisation to first contact on the land-line (if there is one) than having to ring mobiles all the time.

sja75

seven-day-weekend wrote: »

Attempting to catch you out doing what?

As I have being awaiting another ESA50 I just thought that they could have being tested me.

As part of the evidence I submitted at Tribunal I stated that dealing with people either in person or on the telephone was difficult for me.

cattermole

Must be difficult if you find it difficult on the phone but I suppose they have to have contact numbers. Would having an answer machine perhaps help, so you could leave a message or someone else could for you to explain this?

NYM

sja75 wrote: »

As I have being awaiting another ESA50 I just thought that they could have being tested me.

As part of the evidence I submitted at Tribunal I stated that dealing with people either in person or on the telephone was difficult for me.

There is a vast difference between 'difficult' and 'impossible'

sja75

cattermole wrote: »

Must be difficult if you find it difficult on the phone but I suppose they have to have contact numbers. Would having an answer machine perhaps help, so you could leave a message or someone else could for you to explain this?

I had my phone line installed after my tribunal so never had we need to supply DWP my number. I haven't heard from them for a year or so.

I think I could have re-phased 'catching me out' as that implies an element of guilt I suppose. That isn't the case as I evidence from various sources regards my previous post.

I have just heard of some of tricks the DWP use and initially thought is this some form of assessment.

cattermole

sja75 wrote: »

I had my phone line installed after my tribunal so never had we need to supply DWP my number. I haven't heard from them for a year or so.

I think I could have re-phased 'catching me out' as that implies an element of guilt I suppose. That isn't the case as I evidence from various sources regards my previous post.

I have just heard of some of tricks the DWP use and initially thought is this some form of assessment.

Well it could be maybe you should give them your new land line number anyway?

I'm sure it will be fine it doesn't sound as though you have anything to worry about.